Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary: A Mindful Travel Adventure to the Safari Park of Calauit Island, Palawan

Palawan, often hailed as the last frontier of the Philippines, is known for its breathtaking islands, turquoise waters, and untouched beauty. But beyond its famous beaches lies a hidden gem—Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Calauit Safari Park, a conservation area on Calauit Island that offers a unique and mindful way to connect with nature and wildlife.

During my Coron trip, I made sure to include Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary in my itinerary—I didn’t want to skip the chance to see the animals and check on their status on the island. The best thing is, the animals here roam freely, living in an environment where they can thrive. This made my visit even more special, knowing that they are given the space they deserve.

This journey was more than just a sightseeing experience—it was a mindful travel adventure, an opportunity to slow down, be fully present, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

A Scenic Journey Before the Safari

Before heading to Calauit Island, we first stopped for a hearty lunch, savoring a delicious meal while surrounded by the peaceful coastal views of Palawan. It was the perfect way to pause, enjoy the present moment, and set the tone for an immersive nature experience.

After lunch, we boarded a small boat, gently sailing across the calm waters to reach Calauit Island, where the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is located. The ride itself was a tranquil experience, allowing us to take in the stunning scenery, feel the fresh sea breeze, and appreciate the simple joy of being immersed in nature.

A Hands-On Safari Experience: Feeding the Giraffes

One of the highlights of our visit was the unforgettable giraffe-feeding experience. Standing in front of these majestic, towering creatures, I was both excited and in awe. Our tour guide gave us a useful tip to make feeding easier—hold the branches firmly, let the giraffe approach, and don’t be afraid. The giraffes gently grabbed the leaves with their long tongues, and it was such a mindful moment—a connection between human and nature in the purest way.

Feeding the giraffes taught me patience and trust. These gentle animals moved gracefully and took their time, reminding me that there’s no rush in life, just like in nature—everything happens at the right moment.

Mindfulness in the Wild: Lessons from the Safari

Embracing Simplicity from the Giraffes

One of the most humbling moments was watching the giraffes move gracefully and unhurriedly. Unlike humans who rush through life, these gentle creatures move with intention and patience, reminding me that life is not a race—we can take our time, savor the moment, and appreciate the journey.

 The Power of Presence from the Zebras

Observing the zebras, I noticed how they stayed fully engaged in their surroundings, eating, walking, and interacting with each other without distraction. In our fast-paced world filled with digital noise, these animals teach us to be fully present in what we are doing—whether it’s enjoying a meal, having a conversation, or simply taking in the beauty of nature.

The Civet Cat Encounter: A Rare and Mindful Moment

One of the most fascinating encounters in Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary was seeing a civet cat, a nocturnal animal known for its role in producing the world-famous civet coffee. The civet cat, with its curious eyes and sleek body, reminded me of the importance of patience and observation.

These animals move silently and cautiously, teaching us to be more aware of our surroundings and appreciate the stillness of life. Watching the civet cat navigate its space, I felt a deep connection to the importance of balance in nature, where every creature plays a vital role.

Meeting the Other Wild Residents: Turtles, Monkeys, Crocodiles, and Pythons

The Wise and Patient Turtle

As we walked deeper into the sanctuary, we encountered a giant turtle, slowly moving across the land. Watching it, I was reminded of the beauty of slowing down and taking things at our own pace. In a world that constantly pushes us to rush, the turtle symbolizes the wisdom of patience and steady progress—no matter how slow, we will get to where we are meant to be.

Playfulness and Curiosity from the Monkeys

The monkeys in the sanctuary were lively and playful, jumping from tree to tree and curiously observing visitors. They were a reminder to embrace joy, spontaneity, and curiosity—sometimes, we need to let go, have fun, and not take life too seriously.

A Lesson in Strength from the Crocodile

One of the most striking encounters was seeing a crocodile resting in the water, its powerful presence both intimidating and awe-inspiring. Despite its stillness, you could sense the strength and resilience within it. The crocodile reminded me that true power does not always need to be shown—it lies in patience, awareness, and knowing when to act.

The Mysterious Python: A Symbol of Transformation

A surprising encounter was seeing a large python, its patterned skin glistening under the light. Pythons are often misunderstood, but observing this powerful yet calm creature made me reflect on transformation and shedding the past—just like how pythons shed their skin to grow, we too must let go of old habits, fears, or doubts to evolve into a better version of ourselves.

Despite its reputation, the python’s presence felt peaceful and controlled, teaching me that mindful strength comes from within, not from force.

A Safari Experience That Heals the Soul

Beyond just a tourist attraction, Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is a place of healing, mindfulness, and appreciation for life. Walking through the sanctuary, listening to the sounds of nature, and watching the animals in their peaceful state was a meditative experience—a reminder that we, too, are part of this great ecosystem, and we can learn from the rhythm of the natural world.

If you’re looking for a mindful travel experience in Palawan, a visit to Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect escape—a place where you can disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with nature, stillness, and yourself.

Final Thoughts

As an animal lover, visiting Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary was a truly enriching experience. Seeing these beautiful creatures up close, in their peaceful environment, reminded me of how important it is to respect and protect the wildlife that shares this planet with us.

I hope and wish that the sanctuary continues to be a safe haven for these animals, where they are well cared for, protected, and allowed to thrive in their natural habitat.

Conservation efforts are crucial, and I truly admire the work being done to maintain this unique safari park.

This trip was not just about adventure—it was a journey of awareness, mindfulness, and appreciation for nature. May every visitor who comes to Calauit Island leave with a deeper love and respect for wildlife, and a commitment to preserving the beauty of our natural world.

Would you like me to include tips on responsible wildlife tourism or conservation efforts?

How to Add Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary to Your Coron Itinerary

If you're planning a trip to Coron, Palawan, and want to experience the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, here’s how you can seamlessly add it to your itinerary:

1. Plan for an Early Start

• Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Calauit Island, north of Busuanga. It requires a bit of travel time, so it's best to start your day early to make the most of your visit.

• Tours usually depart from Coron town as early as 4:00 AM since it takes about 2 to 3 hours to get to the sanctuary.

2. Choose Your Mode of Transportation

There are two main ways to reach Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary from Coron:

• By Boat:

  • You can book a Calauit Safari Boat Tour that will take you directly to the island.

  • This is a great option if you want to enjoy a scenic island-hopping experience along the way.

• By Land and Boat Combination (Recommended):

  • Travel by van or motorbike from Coron town to Salvacion Port (around 1.5 to 2 hours).

  • From Salvacion, take a small boat to Calauit Island (about 10 to 15 minutes).

  • This option is often quicker and more budget-friendly than taking a direct boat from Coron town.

  
  

3. Book a Guided Tour (For a Hassle-Free Experience)

• You can book a guided tour through local tour operators in Coron. They will arrange everything, including transportation, entrance fees, and a guide who will share insights about the sanctuary.

• Some tour options also include side trips to Black Island, North Cay, or other beautiful spots after visiting Calauit.

4. Allocate Enough Time for the Safari Experience

• A half-day trip (about 3 to 4 hours) at the sanctuary is usually enough to see and interact with the animals.

• If you love wildlife and nature photography, you might want to stay longer to observe the animals freely roaming the island.

5. Pack Light but Smart

Since this is an outdoor wildlife adventure, here are a few essentials to bring:

✔️ Comfortable, breathable clothes and sturdy footwear

✔️ Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection

✔️ Water bottle to stay hydrated

✔️ Camera or phone for capturing unforgettable moments

✔️ Some cash for entrance fees and small expenses

6. Be a Responsible and Mindful Visitor

• Observe quietly and respect the animals’ space.

• Do not feed the animals unless guided by the staff.

• Leave no trace—dispose of trash properly and keep the sanctuary clean.

7. Best Time to Visit

• The ideal time to visit is early morning, as the animals are more active and the weather is cooler.

• If you’re combining it with other tours, plan your visit on the 1st or 2nd day of your Coron trip to maximize your itinerary.